Workshop 4: Healthy Communities: The Intersection of Community Development and Health

Lewis 301

Healthy Communities is the space in which the community development, economic development, public health, and health care industries collaborate to reduce persistent health inequalities and create healthier communities for all. While access to health care is one component that explains these disparities, the social determinants of health - where people work, live, learn and play - can play a significant role as well. The more opportunities individuals have to make healthy choices, the more likely they can live longer and healthier lives. These social determinants of health are the nexus of the community development and health sector’s joint interests. It is in this space that collaboration is imperative. And the health of our country and economy depend on it: in general, wealthier people are healthier, and healthier people are more economically productive.